Current Residents

  • PGY-3 (Class of 2023)

Desmond Aroke MDDesmond Aroke, MD
Medical School
: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon
Interests in IM: Compassionate care, blood disorders, research (evidence-based medicine)
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Family time, playing/watching soccer, exploring nature.
Why you chose NBI: I grew up in the countryside in Cameroon, where I did most of my education but moved to the States about 2years ago. I fell in love with NBI because of its dedication to serving the community through both community-based preventive and in-hospital curative measures. I equally loved the set-up of the program, its fine faculty and the cultural diversity. During my interview, the residents were approachable and made us feel at home; I knew it would be a fun place to work. Since being here, I love the program’s abundance of pathology, the camaraderie amongst residence and the gradual clinical autonomy obtained in the course of training. Also, research is huge here at “The Beth”, with countless opportunities to join research teams in top ranking specialties. At the Beth, I am having a smooth transition as an IMG and I am happy to be here.


Sara Ausaf MDSara Ausaf, MD
Undergraduate
: D.H.A college, Karachi,Pakistan
Medical School: JSMU, Jinnah Sindh Medical University
Interests in IM: Hematology-Oncology, Pain Management, and Transplant, social work
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Travelling and exploring new places, Cooking and dining out, shopping and designing clothes, photography, spending time with family and friends.
Why you chose NBI: I grew up in Connecticut till I was 10 then went back to Pakistan. After completion of my med school I moved to NJ in search of residency. The day I had my interview here, I knew this was the place to be! The harmony and fun loving collaboration seen amongst residents and faculty was very inspiring. I knew the diversity of patients that I would encounter would be a great exposure.
I believe it's one of the greatest programs to be a part of as it will build your clinical skills and knowledge leading you to pursue a successful career eventually making you a great physician.
After residency I intend to bridge the gap and provide care to the underprivileged. I believe in caring whole-heartedly for your patients and bringing a smile across their face is the true success for a physician.


Ariq Azad MDAriq Azad, MD
Undergraduate:
Columbia University
Medical School: Albany Medical College
Interests in IM: Hospital medicine, global health, quality improvement.
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Spending time with my family, software engineering, outdoors activities, traveling, Faith/Islam.
Why you chose NBI: As someone interested in public/global health, NBI offers strong clinical training in an underserved area where you have the opportunity to practice evidence based medicine as well as improve health outcomes for underserved patients.


Bishoy Barsoum MDBishoy M. Barsoum, MD
Medical School:
Cairo University Faculty of Medicine
Interests in IM: Cardiology/ Endocrinology
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Soccer, Spiritual Meditation
Why you chose NBI: I was born in Egypt, and moved to NJ when I was 24 and have stayed in NJ for the past 5 years. During this time, I have made many friends and connected with extended family that I have here in NJ, which has made the area very favorable for me to stay in for training. However, my main focus was on finding a program that provides me with the best training possible through an appropriate volume of patients as well as a great diversity of patients with various medical conditions. Fortunately for me, Newark Beth Israel has all these great features. Not only is it in the area where I was hoping to be, the volume and diversity of patients and medical conditions at NBI are very impressive. The faculty at NBI truly aspire to optimize resident education through appropriate balance of autonomy and supervision and also focus on resident well-being by providing a safe and supportive educational environment for all residents.


Kessy Joseph MDKessy Joseph, MD, MSc (Chief Resident)
Undergraduate
: The University of Florida
Medical School: Ross University SOM
Interests in IM: Community Medicine, Patient Education, Culinary Medicine, Aesthetic Medicine
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Vegan cooking, wine tasting, yoga, meditation, Pilates, world travel
Why you chose NBI: Besides NBI having an internal medicine program with a strong familial feel, I chose NBI because of the diverse community we serve. As a Haitian-Canadian, It brings me great joy to be given the opportunity to provide impactful health services to a demographic that usually feels misunderstood and neglected. Also, I was impressed with the yummy food selection in the cafeteria and free parking.



Kevin Lipat DOKevin Lipat, DO (Chief Resident)
Undergraduate:
University of the Sciences in Philadelphia
Medical School: Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests in IM: Hospitalist
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Guitar/piano, basketball (Mamba Mentality), video games, spending quality time with family
Why you chose NBI: I was born in northern NJ (at the Beth!) and spent most of my life here. It was very important for me to stay close to home, and after having the chance to rotate at NBI, I knew this was the place I wanted to train. The amount of pathology you see makes the experience quite challenging, but equally as rewarding. And the family here, co-residents and program staff, is as close-knit and supportive as it gets.


Saadul-Akbar Mallam, MDSaadul-Akbar Mallam, MD
Undergraduate
: University of Rochester, NY
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interest in IM: Hospitalist/Critical Care medicine
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Association Football in general, La-Liga in particular; Road trips, Ethnic Ghanaian dishes, and most importantly family!
Why you chose NBI: I rotated hear at NBI shortly before I applied for residency and I immediately got “hooked up” by the clear camaraderie of NBI internal Medicine Program and perhaps the NBI community as a whole. I was further drawn to the program due to the significant array of pathology and socioeconomic challenges facing our patient population, and the new educational/academic opportunities created courtesy of the historic Rutgers and RWJBH academic partnership.


Thomas F. Nubong, MDThomas F. Nubong, MD
Undergraduate:
The University of Virginia -> GO HOOS!!
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Interests in IM: Interventional; Cardiovascular Disease, Critical Care Medicine. The new approaches to modern medicine esp. in device-based research and innovations in catheter-based treatments drew my interests to this specific field. Having the ability and skills to perform diagnostic and treatment procedures is both exciting and rewarding.
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: I am a huge sports fanatic. I love playing & watching, esp. football, basketball, soccer, & MMA. I also enjoy the outdoors, love traveling, listening to music, and most importantly learning and experiencing new cultures.
Why you chose NBI: I was born the 4th out of five siblings in the country of Cameroon in West Africa. My family immigrated to the US when I was about seven years old. My love and interest in medicine came from a family dynamic that emphasized both the need and importance of helping others, specifically the less fortunate. During my interview trail, NBI provided the opportunity to work with a multi-cultural patient population that have a plethora of illnesses. It offered excellent learning opportunities both in academia and clinical medicine. The variety in pathology brought in by its patient population, along with it being a quaternary care transplant center is incomparable. It has provided me the opportunity to witness and deal with the disparities in healthcare that is prominent in our country. Above all, I am humbled to be part of the NBI family.


Rashmi Pillai MDRashmi Pillai, MD (Chief Resident)
Undergraduate:
Rutgers University - New Brunswick
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Interests in IM: Hospitalist Medicine, Education
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Tennis/Roger Federer, Manchester United, Traveling
Why you chose NBI: Having grown up in Jersey I knew I wanted to maintain my strong Jersey roots. Along with staying local, I kept looking for programs that embodied why I love medicine in the first place, and I found that at the Beth. During the interview day I could tell that the program fosters collaboration and the community of senior residents and faculty really seemed to prioritize learning and career development. After being here for a few months, I know that to be true. I have no doubt that The Beth will help me prepare for the future, while still enjoying the now!


Nana Safoaah, MDNana Safoaah, MD
Undergraduate:
Herbert H. Lehman College
Medical School: Medical University of the Americans; Ross University School of Medicine
Interests in IM: Hospitalist (Primary Care)
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Listening to music, dancing, cooking
Why you chose NBI: Growing up in Ghana, and spending part of my life in the Bronx, helped grow my interest in providing care for the underserved community, where I can always relate with my patients. NBI is a place where family has been formed from non- blood relatives, a great place to enjoy work hours, no judgement zone, and get the best training and exposure to all range of pathologies. Great, knowledgeable, friendly attendings who are always willing to teach, guide us to provide the best evidence-based medicine for our patients.


Uchechukwu Uneze MD. MPHUchechukwu Uneze, MD, MPH (Chief Resident)
Undergraduate
: Rutgers University
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interests in IM: Pulmonary & Critical Care, Education
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Sports, music, dancing, exercising, movies, and hanging out with friends and family.
Why you chose NBI: I was born in Nigeria moved to NJ at the age of 13 I love the local community and have been here ever since. Why the Beth? The Beth has a diverse population, wide range of pathology, ample learning opportunities and supervised autonomy. The camaraderie with residents, Attendings who are willing to teach medicine and other aspects of life and provide excellent feedback, the support from nurses and other ancillary staff. I am learning a great deal at the Beth and look forward to advancing my knowledge and skill as a clinician so I can better serve my patients.


Shreya Vakharia, MDShreya Vakharia, MD (Chief Resident)
Medical School
: Smt. NHL Municipal Medical College, Gujarat, India
Interests in IM: Academic Medicine, Disparities in Health Care, Hematology and Oncology
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Updating my Harry Potter Easter egg knowledge, trying the spiciest Pad Thai noodles and exploring quaint bookstores and coffee-shops in New York City
Why you chose NBI: I was born in the United States before moving to and growing up in India. When I decided to come back for my residency, I wanted a strong academic and clinical setting with a dense and diverse population. On my interview day, when I saw the camaraderie between the residents and the faculty, my heart was set on The Beth and I could not wait to be a part of this world that I now call my family.

  • PGY-2 (Class of 2024)

Miguel Agudelo, MDMiguel Agudelo, MD
Undergraduate:
N/A
Med School: CES University
Interests IM: Hepatology, GI
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Cooking, reading, binge watching shows
Why you chose NBI: Great teaching atmosphere, patient diversity and warm welcoming colleagues.


Dorothy Amofa, MDDorothy Amofa, MD
Undergraduate
: Miami University Oxford, Ohio
Medical School: St George’s University School of Medicine
Interests in IM: Cardiology, Hospitalist
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Long drives, traveling, cooking, reading.
Why you chose NBI: The two main reasons why I chose NBI was for its clinical diversity and comradeship. I wanted to train in a program that will enhance the development of strong clinical acumen with exposure to diverse clinical pathology and NBI for me was the best fit. Its location and complex population is ideal in not only enriching my clinical skill set but social skills with its diverse patient population. It really is a place that prepares its residents well post residency.

One of the things that struck me the most in my interview is the comradeship amongst the residents in the program and beyond. The culture of NBI is very welcoming, respectful, and inclusive. It’s home away from home, making it an ideal learning environment for me.


Funmmy Awoyomi, MDFunmmy Awoyomi, MD
Undergraduate
: Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Medical School: Saba University School of Medicine
Interests in IM: Primary Care
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Traveling, Art, Fashion, Philanthropy
Why you chose NBI: I was born at the Beth! I just thought it would be cool to come back and serve as a doctor in the community I was raised.


Jacob Brown, MDJacob Brown, MD
Undergraduate:
Marshall University
Medical School: St. George’s University
Interests in IM: Pulmonary Critical Care
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Enjoy spending time with family and friends, exercising, and taking my golden retriever to the park.
Why you chose NBI: I chose NBI because it checked all the boxes. Great faculty and sub specialist, plethora of pathologies, and opportunities to help a community in need.


Sammir S Dekowski, MDSammir S Dekowski, MD
Undergraduate
: Essex University, UK
Medical School: St Georges University
Interests in IM: Cardio, GI, Pulmonary / Critical Care
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Video Games, Writing (Screen Writing), movies/shows, coaching soccer, most sports (NFL, NBA, Football, Tennis, Formula 1)
Why you chose NBI: Born and raised in South London, I grew up in a diverse neighborhood and I always knew I would work in an area that would represent that diversity and NBI exceeded all expectations. The pathologies and people you come across are unparalleled and there weren’t too many places that could match that. I knew Choosing NBI would provide me the knowledge and experience to be the best physician I could be for my patients now and in the future.


Dina Elsayed, MDDina Elsayed, MD
Medical School
: University of Khartoum, faculty of Medicine
Interests in IM: Hospital Medicine/ Cardiology/ Healthcare Disparities
Hobbies and interests outside of Medicine: Spending time with family and friends, watching documentaries, cooking and traveling.
Why you chose NBI: My aim when choosing my ideal program was to serve an underserved patient population where I would encounter very different pathologies so as to help and learn as much as I can during my years of residency. Since my first week in NBI I was thrilled by the interesting cases and how helpful and friendly the residents and faculty. Every day at the Beth is an enjoyable learning experience.


Shari Forbes, MDShari Forbes, MD
Undergraduate:
University of East London
Medical School: American University of Antigua
Interests in IM: Gastroenterology or Outpatient Primary Care
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Travelling, hiking, tennis, watching documentaries, music and singing
Why you chose NBI: I had a fundamental desire to join a program which offered clinically diverse patient pathology and volume so that I could gain optimum exposure to develop world-class clinical skills. Being a part of a facility, which fosters autonomous working in a supportive environment was also crucial as I wanted to practice independently but with sufficient supervision to allow me to grow in confidence and skills. During my interview day, the camaraderie demonstrated by the residents was also appealing as it was extremely important to me to be in a positive team environment where collaborative working existed, and where I could build long-lasting relationships. NBI also enables me to be close to family and continue to have the support that has carried me through my medical journey.


Hareem Hussain, MDHareem Hussain, MD
Undergraduate
: Rutgers University
Medical School: Ross University SOM
Interests in IM: Hospitalist, Medical Education, Healthcare Disparities
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Baking, hiking, photography, poetry, museums, galleries, restaurants, faith/spirituality
Why you chose NBI: Comradery, broad pathology, underserved community, diverse population, great opportunities


Jessica Mazur, MDJessica Mazur, MD
Undergraduate:
Penn State University
Medical School: St. George’s University
Interest in IM: Hospitalist and Critical Care
Hobbies and Interests Outside of Medicine: Peloton, weight training, reality television, trying new restaurants and hanging out with family and friends
Why you chose NBI: Originally from Pennsylvania, I knew that location was important to me, and I wanted to stay in the Northeast region. As a medical student, I rotated throughout NY and NJ and enjoyed working in city hospitals. Newark is in a great location between Philadelphia and NYC, with an International airport nearby that serves the hospital with a diverse patient population and vast pathologies. When I interviewed at NBI, I could feel the camaraderie and genuine relationships between the residents (even through Zoom) and knew I would be well supported in a family-like environment.


Sung Hun Park, MDSung Hun Park, MD
Undergraduate
: Boston University
Medical School: St. George's University
Interests in IM: Pulmonary / Critical Care
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Lego, germinating seeds, gardening, bicycle riding
Why you chose NBI: I was attracted by a diverse patient population group as well as numerous opportunities to learn and get experience. During interview season, I felt that I would be supported by faculty members and seniors. Therefore, I knew I would have great time here in NBI for my future career.


Kawana Simon, MDKawana Simon, MD
Undergraduate
: St. George’s University
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interests in IM: Hematology and Oncology, Disparities in Health Care
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Cooking, music and community outreach.
Why you chose NBI: Coming from a multi-cultural Caribbean background, it was important for me to work and serve in a diverse program, and one that would give me direct access to underserved and vulnerable populations. The diverse pathology brought by the patient population offers endless learning opportunities. NBI emphasizes holistic patient care, meeting medical needs and addressing socioeconomic needs, allowing you to grow and develop as a competent, thoughtful and well-rounded physician. I was drawn to NBI because it encompasses the perfect balance of comprehensive didactics, hands-on clinical training and supervised autonomy. Friendly Attending’s and senior residents are always willing to teach and provide guidance. Importantly, I was impressed by the camaraderie among the residents, which still stands true now that I am a part of the NBI family.


Adaobi Umeaku, MDAdaobi Umeaku, MD
Undergraduate
: Texas A&M University-Commerce
Medical School: the American University of Antigua, School of Medicine
Interests in IM: Interventional Cardiology
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: God and Family! I Love dancing, being active: playing soccer and hiking; new adventures, experiencing new cultures and food, and world travel.
Why you chose NBI: I was born and raised in Nigeria and moved to the U.S. as a teenager. As a life-long learner and former Chemistry Teacher, working and learning as a physician in an underserved community allows me to continue in a life of service. Everything about The Beth reassures me of my love for Medicine, Cardiology, and People. I chose NBI because it's the heart center of Jersey. It's very diverse in patient population and employees. Seeing my patients, helping them, explaining things to them in a manner that they understand, and being their advocate is the best part of my job! The range of pathology is immeasurable. As much as it's educational, it's also very clinical and hands-on. It's truly the best of both worlds for me. I'm beyond humbled and grateful to be a member of this amazing family!

  • PGY-1 (Class of 2025)

Henrik Ehrhardt, MDHenrik Ehrhardt, MD (Preliminary - Neurology)
Undergraduate: Oberlin College
Medical School: University College Dublin
Interests in IM: Neurology – Neuroimmunology and Neurocritical Care
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Biking, Frisbee, partner dancing, cooking, reading
Why you chose NBI: Strong academic institution, diverse patient population, near family in north NJ, relationship with Rutgers RWJ Neurology


Allen George, MDAllen George, MD
Undergraduate: Rutgers University - New Brunswick
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Interests in IM: Cardiology, Pulmonary & Critical Care
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Hiking, Fishing, Running, Biking, Pickup basketball, trying new foods
Why you chose NBI: At Newark Beth Israel I’m sure to see a wide variety of pathologies and cases to help me learn and grow as a physician. I will be able to take care of a widely diverse population which will contribute to me being the best physician for my future patients. Furthermore, as someone who has lived in New Jersey for most of my life, I am happy to be staying here to complete my residency and give back to my community.


Kyrillos Girgis, MDKyrillos Girgis, MD
Undergraduate: N/A
Medical School: Alexandria University Faculty of Medicine
Interests in IM: Cardiology
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Reading, Swimming, and cycling
Why you chose NBI: NBI has all of the things that I am looking for. It is one of the most prestigious hospitals in the U.S.A. and the world. It offers great learning in the residency years through the wide and diverse population of patients that it serves. NBI has many fellowships, especially cardiology, and great research opportunities. Residents have the opportunity to learn in a friendly atmosphere. They also have the chance to be in a program that cares about their wellness. NBI is my top choice, and I am so glad to be here.


Grettel Gonzalez Garcia, MDGrettel Gonzalez Garcia, MD
Undergraduate: N/A
Medical School: Universidad de Ciencias Medicas de la Habana
Interests in IM: Hospitalist, education, research
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Listening to music, cycling
Why you chose NBI: This Internal Medicine residency program at NBI has all the components of an excellent residency. It also gives several opportunities to many International Medical Graduates like me, who are fighting for their dreams. The multicultural community of the area will give me the chance to interact more with different cultures and the variety of presentations of diseases, which I think is one of the most remarkable aspects of this amazing country that has become my new home.


Prashant Kumar GuptaPrashant Kumar Gupta, MD (Preliminary – Diagnostic Radiology)
Undergraduate: College of Medical Sciences, Bharatpur, Nepal
Medical School: College of Medical Sciences, Bharatpur, Nepal
Interests in IM: Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Travelling, Music, Trekking, Exploring new cultures/new foods, Driving, Exercising
Why you chose NBI: Diverse patient population/pathologies with volume and strong faculties; ample opportunities to learn more for being a better physician; a very supportive and homely atmosphere of Beth.


Leandro Gutierrez, MDLeandro Gutierrez, MD
Undergraduate: Seton Hall University
Medical School: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Interests in IM: Complex Medical Pathology, Social Determinants of Health
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Amateur Soccer Player, avid aficionado as well.
Why you chose NBI: NBI is located in the epicenter of cultural diffusion. Various cultures and peoples all in one place with an extensive need for equitable healthcare. Drawn to expertise of complex pathology as well, unlike any other training site.


Saamia T. Javed, MDSaamia T. Javed, MD
Undergraduate: Rutgers University
Medical School: CMH Lahore Medical College
Interests in IM: Preventive Medicine, Hematology, Oncology
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Swimming, singing, practicing the piano, and traveling. I’m also extremely passionate about Women in Medicine, female advocacy, and promoting greater inclusivity.
Why you chose NBI: My unique experience of having lived my life split between two starkly diverse cultures mirrors the diversity of Newark. Training at the Beth with its clinically vast patient population will be an enriching experience with a tremendous learning curve. The residents and faculty who interviewed me were exceptionally kind and encouraging and I could sense the camaraderie. Having studied at Rutgers my freshman year, being able to return to Newark for my medical training just made everything come full circle. It doesn’t hurt that I live only 15 minutes away in Jersey City either!


Michael Lindsay, MDMichael Lindsay, MD (Preliminary – Neurology)
Undergraduate: College of the Holy Cross
Medical School: University of Queensland
Interests in IM: Neurology
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Spending time outside, cooking, running
Why you chose NBI: NBI is a strong academic institution that serves a diverse patient population and has a very supportive staff.


Alexis Lordi, MDAlexis Lordi, MD
Undergraduate: Pepperdine University
Medical School: St. George’s University
Interests in IM: Rheumatology
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Equestrian, Spin classes, Netflix documentaries
Why you chose NBI: When I interviewed with the program it was very clear that the administration truly aims to making this program produce prepared and efficient physicians after graduation. There is a collective effort between staff and residents to improve the program. The location of the program allows for diversity in not only patient population but also pathology presentation. NBI has proven to graduate residents to programs all over the US and in all different fields of interest. Lastly, the residents really do seem to care for one another and give off the feeling of a team effort (always looking out for each other) rather than one where everyone is in constant competition.


David Mulinde Makanga, MDDavid Mulinde Makanga, MD
Undergraduate: University at Albany
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Interests in IM: Infectious disease, Hematology, and oncology
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Travelling, Soccer, software development, and neural networks
Why you chose NBI: NBI has a very diverse patient population which is a plus for my residency experience as a minority myself. I was impressed by the various in-house services like lung transplants and the heart transplant center. As a resident, you can work up a patient from A-Z that gives you the much-needed experience. Lastly, I was impressed at how open the residents were about the program during my interviews at the hospital.


Michel Mikhail, DOMichel Mikhail, DO (Preliminary – Neurology)
Undergraduate: Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Medical School: Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests in IM: Neurology
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Soccer, Weight-lifting, Traveling, Spending time with family and friends
Why you chose NBI: I was drawn to Newark Beth Israel as I desired to train at an academic medical center located at the heart of a culturally and ethnically diverse community. Training at Beth provides exposure to a great diversity of pathologies as well as numerous opportunities to care for underserved populations, helping build a strong foundation in medicine as a clinician and a leader in the community.


Frances Ogunnaya, MDFrances Ogunnaya, MD
Undergraduate: Imo State University College of Medicine
Medical School: Imo State University College of Medicine
Interests in IM: Fellowship; I enjoy cardiology and hematology/oncology and am looking forward to seeing how my rotation goes.
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: I enjoy cooking and baking, listening to music, watching movies, and soccer, traveling, trying new restaurants/cuisines, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Why you chose NBI: NBI Internal Medicine Residency Program is a robust program with a strong emphasis on education and teaching. It has phenomenal exposure to a diverse patient population and pathologies, including bread and butter cases, rare cases, and sub-specialty exposure. The best attribute, however, is the camaraderie among residents, attendings, and support staff; it's like a big family. The faculty is dedicated to the success of their residents, providing the ideal balance of autonomy and support.

I believe that NBI provides the clinical exposure, teaching, and mentorship needed to become an excellent, competent, well-rounded physician and advance in their medical career.

I am incredibly honored and grateful to be a part of this wonderful family.


Vivian Onuro, MDVivian Onuro, MD
Undergraduate: N/A
Medical School: University for Development Studies School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Interests in IM: Interventional Cardiology
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Spending time with family and friends, mat exercises, music and Korean drama
Why you chose NBI: During my interviews, NBI met my career expectations, both personal and professional. NBI's collaboration, open communication and the family-like atmosphere caught my attention. I felt welcomed by both the faculty and residents and had no doubt I would be supported as a colleague. City wise, Newark offers a diverse population and therefore, broad pathology to enhance my knowledge and sharpen my skills. JFK and Newark International airports provide easy access to my home country, Ghana which is kind of cool.


Raymond Pesenti, MDRaymond Pesenti, MD
Undergraduate: Ramapo College of New Jersey
Medical School: St. George’s University
Interests in IM: Hospitalist/Internal Medicine
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Playing guitar, reading, cooking, staying active with exercise, spending time with friends and family, and travelling
Why you chose NBI: I was born and raised in New Jersey, so it gives me great pride to train in my home state. NBI dedicates itself to serving the community through prevention programs and quality hospital-care, which are aspects of the program that resonated with my values. Also, the camaraderie present between the senior residents and attendings makes the program very attractive for ample learning and lifelong relationships.


Silvia Pietropaolo, MDSilvia Pietropaolo, MD
Undergraduate: N/A
Medical School: La Sapienza University of Rome
Interests in IM: Cardiology, Diabetology, Transplant
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Reading and every form of Art. Cooking and traveling. Swimming, running and walking on the beach. Photography and finding vintage bookstores. Lake Garda and Dolomites Alps, Venice and Circeo. Learning.
Why you chose NBI: I had the most pleasant, funny and comfortable interview of my life here! Which was the cherry on top to some great aspects that I had already eyed up and care about, such us the diversity of the environment while giving priority to learning; the chances of career development pursuing valuable sub-specialty training in advanced heart failure and heart transplant, since NBIMC is a national heart and lung transplant leader, which is so attractive to me.


Danielle Retcho, MDDanielle Retcho, MD
Undergraduate: Bucknell University
Medical School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Interests in IM: Cardiology
Hobbies and Interests outside of Medicine: Visiting art museums, recreational skiing and I’m a PSIA Certified Ski Instructor, cooking, and spending time with my family and friends.
Why you chose NBI: I am born and raised in Northern NJ so it was important for me to be near my family and to give back to my community. I had minimal exposure to NBI prior to my virtual interview day but it felt like a great fit. The Residents and Faculty seemed so kind, supportive and welcoming which made me feel like I would fit in and be comfortable. Additionally, the program has diverse pathologies and fantastic opportunities to further my interest in Cardiology.